Why companies are paying people like you to test their products

Mixed reality glasses, smartphones with five cameras and apps that manage your online privacy… 2019 might just be the most exciting year ever for technology lovers out there. With developers and designers increasingly focusing on the users’ needs to build better digital products and services, it’s not exclusively about functionality anymore. The experience matters – according to Adobe’s ‘State of Content’ report, 59% of people prefer a beautifully designed website.

Adobe also asked about the importance of user experience in the UK:
72% of users think it’s important that a website/app displays well on the device they are using
75% of users find it important that the product holds their attention
59% of users finds it relevant that the product appeals to their design sensibilities

Customer filling survey on smartphone screen

Looking at the numbers, it makes sense that organisations are talking to their users before, during and after bringing a new product to life, but how do they find the right people to talk to? The answer is: by working with organisations like People for Research (PFR), a Bristol-based agency that connects people with businesses looking to get feedback from their users, in exchange for an incentive.

You may think it sounds strange that companies would pay people to have a chat or test their latest product, but they do. Take the example of Reach Robotics, creators of the world’s first gaming robot. In 2018, they tasked PFR with finding the right users to test MekaMon: “Testing allows us to understand how these different audiences interact with, and want to use, the different functionality and experiences that MekaMon offers.” You can read our interview with Reach Robotics here. 

Reach Robotics team and the MekaMon

How does it work?  
Start by visiting the PFR website and learn more about us and our paid research studies, from face-to-face sessions across the UK, to remote studies and surveys.

Jump to the sign-up page and create your account (the more information you share, the more we can tailor the emails we send you). You will then be notified about paid studies or surveys and invited to fill in short questionnaires to determine your suitability. If you are suitable, the team will ring you for a quick chat and book you in.

At People for Research, we make sure that all research or testing is incentivised, so you’re always rewarded for your time. The incentives can be paid in cash, bank transfer or in the form of a digital voucher.

Here’s feedback from real participants: 
“To be able to give my feedback [on this app] is something I would have liked to do, even if I didn’t get paid for it!” – Emmanuel, from Bristol, tested a food delivery app. Watch his video interview here.

“The experience was great and I had fun and enjoyed it. It’s made me feel a little more confident. It was a great joy to go through the process of pretending to purchase travel tickets for the train as I have never done this before.” – Penny, from London, tested a travel app. Read the complete testimonial here. 

We hope you too join our growing community and get to influence the development of new products and services. Let us know if you have any questions about People for Research by emailing support@peopleforresearch.co.uk or ringing the team on 0117 921 0008. 

Sources: Adobe, PFR blog